Poly(propylene carbonate)/aluminum flake composite films with enhanced gas barrier properties

A series of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC)/aluminum flake (ALF) composite films with different ALF contents were prepared via a melt-blending method. Their cross-section morphologies, thermal properties, tensile strength (TS), and gas barrier properties were investigated as a function of ALF contents. SEM images reveal the good dispersion and orientation of ALF along with melt flow direction within PPC matrix. The oxygen permeability coefficient (OP) and water vapor permeability coefficient (WVP) of the composite films decrease continuously with ALF contents increasing up to 5 wt %, which are 32.4% and 75.2% that of pure PPC, respectively. Furthermore, the TS and thermal properties of PPC/ALF composite film are also improved by the incorporation of ALF particles. The PPC/ALF composite films have potential applications in packaging area due to its environmental-friendly properties, superior water vapor, and oxygen barrier characteristics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41663.